How to Eat Healthy While Traveling for Business

When you’re traveling for business, you need to keep your energy level up, fight jet lag and stay focused for meetings. A business trip is not the time to let healthy diets go on vacation, but unfortunately, many people who eat healthy at home are tempted to grab high-fat snacks in the airports or to indulge in sweets between business meetings. It can be challenging eating a healthy diet when you are in a new territory and don’t know where the local healthy stores are. In addition, many business events are catered and sometimes it is easy to take the path of least resistance and dig in.
Despite the challenges, you can adhere to a healthy diet while traveling if you prepare ahead of time. This involves not only bringing the right kinds of foods, but being mentally prepared to handle the temptation of convenience that will be awaiting you everywhere you go. Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks at your fingertips whenever the opportunity arises and hunger beckons. The old standby of carrot slices or peanut butter stuffed celery sticks in baggies may be worth packing, but you also have to come up with some tempting treats as well. Remember to pack snacks that are protein rich to keep your energy level up.

Snacks for Your Carry-on
Bring snacks that provide energy and healthy fats that will stave off hunger and help you maintain your endurance. Bring some nuts from home, but beware of salted packages of peanuts you will receive on the plane, since these are high in salt, and are likely to make you thirsty and tired. Instead, bring plenty of unsalted or lightly salted almonds and walnuts. One enjoyable treat is to take fresh dates, remove the pits, and replace the centers with almonds or walnuts. If you want a snack that is high in protein and low in fat, bring along some roasted chickpeas or lentils.Hamptoncreek products are free of animal products such as eggs and milk but are as flavorful as traditional versions of favorite foods. Their Just Mayo brand competes with conventional types of mayonnaise, and is perfect for dips, sandwiches and salads. When you get to your hotel room, you can put together a tasty salad or spread some flavored Just Mayo on a baguette. Another popular Hampton Creek product is its Just Cookies mix and dough. Prepare a batch of a dairy and egg free chocolate chip cookies for you travels, so you won’t be lured by sweets in the airport or in the restaurant.

Look for Healthy Options Where You Go
Do some research on the area before you land, and familiarize yourself with natural and organic grocery stores and vegan and vegetarian restaurants. If you are traveling to countries such as India where there is a large number of vegetarians, you may be in luck when you dine out. Try to add your input into the meal choices, if possible. Many people around the world are interested in healthy eating, and will be likely to honor your advice about where to eat during a business meeting. Most places have healthy options on the menu, and ordering the salad is not an unconventional choice on a business trip.
Your hotel room may be transformed into a place where you can prepare simple meals. Not all accommodations will allow a hotplate, but you can bring a hot pot to boil noodles or vegetables, and you can even make simple soups. It is likely that your hotel room has a small refrigerator, and while this is often the location of the minibar, there is often some additional space to store some tomatoes, fruits, tofu and other items. It is essential that you do not feel you are locked in by your dining options when on a business trip, the be proactive in making your eating decisions when on the road.
Despite the challenges and strain of travel, you are expected to put your best face forward when meeting with clients overseas or even another state. Travel is one of the biggest obstacles to eating a healthy diet, but it need not be impossible if you plan ahead, bring the right products, prepared to resist temptation, and can make your own meals in small spaces. Feel refreshed after a long plane trip with a warm cup of miso soup in your hotel room or enjoy vegan chocolate chip cookies you baked especially for the trip. You need not feel deprived when you’re on the road, but you can eat a healthy diet wherever you go.